A vast array of new machines had their paint drying in the Lincolnshire sun at this year’s Cereals event. There was a good mix of cultivation and drilling tackle while the emphasis in the crop sprayer arena was on monster size tanks and field spanning booms. ANDY COLLINGS and MERVYN BAILEY report.
Source: Farmers Guardian (please click here to see the original article with images)
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ALTHOUGH Holme Farm Services have produced tractor skid units in the past, the Lite-Trac is the product of three years’ development. Full production will start in October with the prototype machine on show allowing Paul McAvoy to get some feedback and expand on what he says is an already healthy order book.
Power comes from a Stage IIIa Cummins kicking out 260hp at 2,500rpm and coupled to a ZF ergo powershift with six forward and three reverse gears and capable of getting up to 50kph. He points out that by locating the engine and transmission between the axles they can make the most of the even weight distribution with each wheel carrying an equal weight even as a crop sprayer empties. For servicing, the rear platform is raised hydraulically.
The model on show was fitted with a 6,500 litre tank and 40m Pommier aluminium booms produced in-house. A 7,500 litre tank and 48m booms can also be specified or customers can choose another make of crop sprayer. Mr McAvoy points out that his machine is not limited to just spraying and has plans to fit a KRM Bredal bulk spreader and there is also interest from vegetable growers using it as part of their harvesting unit. Optional equipment includes GPS controlled steering, tyre inflation on the move, control of boom sections by GPS and trailer brakes.